Flower Seller with “Surprises”
Designer
Lambert, Léopold
(French, 1854 - 1935)
Manufacturer
Jumeau & Cie.
(French, 1843 - 1910)
Dateca. 1880-1900
OriginFrance
Dimensions26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm)
ClassificationsAutomaton
Credit LineGift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
Object number2017.207
Label TextLeopold Lambert, (French, 1854-1935)
Automaton: Flower Seller with “Surprises”
Mark: “Deposé, Tête Jumeau, Bte S.G.D.G. 8,” about 1880-1900
Gift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
This female automaton represents a young woman as a magician, a clever and engaging performer. Female entertainers at the time mostly served as magicians’ pretty assistants. Here, however, she is the focus of attention for her audience: by alternately lifting the floral covers off her trays, she is revealing small props, called “surprises.”
Status
Not on view
